Royals blank 'Dogs, eye share of title

Oct. 13, 2007

Nate Etler carries the ball Friday night against Crestline in Crestline in the first half of Friday night football action. For more photos go to www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com. (T-F photo by Anthony Conchel

Written by

Cory Forshaw

T-F correspondent

CRESTLINE -- The first chilly night of the football season did absolutely nothing to cool off the Wynford offense.

Nathan Etler scored three times, leading the Royals to a 35-0 shutout win that moved them to within one victory of at least a share of the North Central Conference championship.

"The reason we were successful is because we were balanced," Royals' coach Travis Moyer said. "We have a number of weapons. All of our skilled guys have the ability to take it the distance at any time. For the most part I thought we played a pretty good game offensively except for the two turnovers. We have to make sure we clean that up."

Undefeated at 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the NCC, Wynford needs just one win in its final two contests to clinch at least a share of the title. Crestline falls to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the league.

Although it was Bulldogs' offense that spent the majority of time on the field in the first half, it was Wynford's quick-strike ability that enabled it to open a 28-0 lead.

Already ahead 7-0, the Royals put together three scoring drives in the second quarter. None went more than three plays.

Etler covered the necessary 68 yards in two plays to start the quarter. He went up the middle practically untouched for 50 yards to make it 13-0 at the 10:37 mark. Tyler Brause knocked through his second PAT of the game to extend the lead.

After the defense forced a Crestline punt, Brause went to work through the air. He found Kyle Shroll for 34 yards on the third play of the drive to make it 20-0.

And after yet another three-and-out by the Bulldogs' offense, Seth Cooper sliced through the Crestline defense for 67 yards on two carries to make it 26-0. Cooper also cashed in on the two-point conversion to make it 28-0.

"I don't think they have any weaknesses," Crestline coach John DiPietro said.

"That offensive line is so quick that their backs are 10 yards down the field before they are even hit. They are just really good. And their backs are so fast a lot of times they aren't touched."

Wynford's final score came on its first drive of the second half. This one took seven plays and covered 56 yards, with Etler capping it with a short run and Brause booting the PAT to make it 35-0.

Brause completed his first 12 passes and finished 13 of 16 through the air for 165 yards. Etler topped the century mark, rushing for 108 yards on eight totes, while Cooper had 96 yards on five carries.

"We know we had to take care of business to move toward winning the league championship," Moyer said. "That's what we are focused on."